The Stand

And then Some...

2011-12-07T15:28:00.000-08:00

As I sit here, realizing how much time has passed since my
most recent post, I think of all I have missed in sharing with you.
So, how about a crash course on my last 3 months?

Here we go:

New resident-mums and growing relationships
For the past several months, resident-mums and their children have come and gone. Some have been happy farewells. Others, I have cringed as the mum left knowing that she was not quite ready to leave our Homes of Hope family.

Regardless, I have learned the art of saying good-bye. And yet, as I wince at these leavings, wondering what lie ahead for these mums and their little ones, I rest in knowing God has each of these in His hands…they do not take one breath without God’s notice
and devotion.

Baptisms
3 Cheers for new life! If there is one thing that
Jesus has taught me here at Homes of Hope this year, it is this:
The Savior’s power to save and restore surpasses all comprehension and expectation. God,while You do not erase the past, You do offer hope and rebirth that leads to new life, in a new city, in a new family.

My Namesake
This is baby Katherine…my namesake. The mother of this precious one is 19 and honored me by naming her baby girl after me. Names hold much worth here; I have come to learn that the name is given to describe and to honor, a bridge from past lives to the present rebirth and the future.

Trip to North Islands
November, along with the heaviness of
summer, brought an opportunity to visit the North Islands in Fiji, Taveuni and Qamea (Ga-mA-a). I had one day to prepare and then found myself traveling via large boat, cruising north.

Lesson learned #1: Katherine gets sea-sick.

Lesson learned #2: The meal in visiting a village is THE
highlight.

Lesson learned #3:
Katherine loves village life. Oh, if only I could capture the essence of the
slowness and relational quality of living in a village, removed from
civilization. No electricity, outdoor showers and commodes, living from the
land and sea day-to-day. And thrilling in the conversation and sweetness of our hosts and friends.

Wrapping up the Year
Now events and people begin the slow crawl towards Christmas, and with it we all, that is Homes of Hope staff and residents, are anxious for time off from work.
As for me: I am going home!
On December 17th I will fly back to the States for one month.
How excited I am to see my friends and family, and to catch some time away from ministry and cross-cultural thinking. Oh man, I am ready to get my lazy on!
Till next time...

Culture Shock

2011-09-12T20:46:00.000-07:00

I have been mulling over a personal revelation for nearly a month now.

Several weeks ago there was a short-term mission team from the U.S. visiting the Homes of Hope campus. This was a lovely team, filled with persons whom I know and whom know me.

Our week with this team culminated with time spent together one final night on campus. There is a gym on campus, essentially a large piece of concrete covered by a tin roof where the mums relish these final nights with a team, for they have had a week to get to know each other, and now we gather to play volleyball and enjoy a late night tea together.

This night, however, I found myself sitting and conversing with my Fijian friends, the mums that make up the residents of Homes of Hope. While some of the mums played volleyball with the team members from overseas, some of the team playing with and enjoying the children, I sat at the edge of the gym with several of the mums who were watching the activity.

Amidst this, I had an uncomfortable feeling that I could not place or dispel…and it was toward the end of this night that I began to understand what this uncomfortable feeling was and its origin:
You see, this team from the U.S. is from my country, my home nation. This team had persons I had gotten to know and enjoy. This team had come to know some of my own personal joys and struggles of working at Homes of Hope. If I would ever feel at home with a group of people, it is these, those whom are of my own culture and common perspective.

Yet I find myself more at home in this moment with the woman whom are my family now, whom I share life and home with.

The discomfort is this: That my people, so to speak, have become strangers in a land where I was previously a stranger. Those whom I relish my time with, whom I want to spend my time with have become those who will never understand my home culture.

This is a jolt for me; a new feeling. Blessed am I to have a hand to hold, that of child, friend, co-worker, and a Persistent Jesus.

The New and Ugly and the Fresh and Incomplete

2011-07-03T23:25:00.000-07:00

I sat baffled the other day. Did you know that I have been in Fiji for over 6 months now?
The adage follows, I suppose, that time flies. Following this revelation of time passed, I pursued my place and thought-life right now.

About a month ago a little girl of 19 was brought to Homes of Hope. Her eyes were downcast. Weary as she held her baby girl. Jasmine, a shattered woman, was led onto the campus with a police escort. She had just come from spending a night at a police station with her baby because the man she was living with had tried to set her on fire with kerosene.

Slowly, conversations over afternoon tea uncovered Jasmine’s past, much of which is heart wrenching, involving gang rape, being sold by her family for $700, and the requisite abuse from those who should cherish and protect.

Yet my bafflement is washed in the sustaining life of God who makes all things new. New and fresh and incomplete…Incomplete. What beauty is the incomplete, because our Jesus is not done with His work.

The incomplete is Jasmine who holds her head up now. Jasmine has decided to give Jesus-walking a try, and after her first week of, as she calls it, “her change” Jasmine has said in a bewildered voice, “I never knew that ugly could be beautiful again.” I asked Jasmine to explain what she was saying. She did, and I asked if I could write down what she had just said to me, for it is a beautiful thing.

Here is what Jasmine said:
I thought, this Jesus is a man. And men are mostly ruled by hurt and pain. They put this on us. Then they told me that this Jesus wants good things, that He is love, and saving, and life. So, how could this new Jesus, new God want an ugly girl? I asked Jesus this, and He made me cry and said, “You are fresh like the rain and beautiful to me.”

And I am baffled by this New and Relentless God, who makes the Fresh and the Beautiful.

Just a Little Change

2011-05-30T17:15:00.000-07:00

This past month has seen the ignoble death of my beloved computer. After a solemn eulogy and burial, I laid said computer to rest and commenced on a quest to annoy everyone within walking distance who owns a computer to let me borrow theirs, “for just a minute! I swear only want to check my emails!”

Stellar news is that my very generous home church is sending me a new one. So soon, very soon now I will not get in trouble for checking my email AND Facebook; if you could only see me giddy with excitement! Thank you, Sun Valley!

What a month this has been. This month has seen the start of the busy season for Western guests coming to visit and volunteer their time at Homes of Hope. This month has also seen the birth of two baby girls here on campus. One mum is choosing adoption for her baby; the other has moved back to Homes of Hope and is raising her little one.

In fact, we are so inundated with mums and babes that we have one more at the hospital in labor as I write this post.

Not only do we welcome new life to our campus and in our lives, God is ushering in His presence and Life on our beloved lady-residents. This month three of our residents at Homes of Hope have claimed an interest in knowing God more; two of them have made a life commitment to pursue Jesus and trust Him with their lives…welcome, sweet ladies to the Eternal Kingdom! God has been waiting.

Isaacing

2011-04-16T00:18:00.000-07:00

Hello folks! Sorry for my black hole-esk sort of communication style this past month. Albeit I could come up with better excuses (in the format of tall tales), such as Mojo and Godzilla teamed up to complete the ultimate mini-monster duo and ate my computer (For knowledge of Mojo and Godzilla see previous post), quite simply I was busy.

Well, in lieu of anything witty or inspirational to write, I will instead tell you to pull up a chair and enjoy the mundane:

I have discovered that being “happy” in the midst of change and the foreign is a greater chore than I had anticipated. Let’s face it, being “happy” takes WORK.

On any given day I wake up to the sounds of the campus kitchen coming to life, preparing breakfast for the 30 women and their children whom live at Homes of Hope. I am jarred awake amidst crying babies, dogs barking, laughing women, and the occasional pan hitting the cement floor. Who in the world needs an alarm clock here?

So, I roll out of bed and start my day by sitting on a bench outside enjoying this view, a cup of coffee, and my Jesus. Around 9, I am either in a meeting, teaching a class, tutoring a mum, or meeting one-on-one with a mum and counseling. Some days I am bemused by the fact that even here, in Fiji, my life has taken on a sort of predictability.

And then there are the heart wrenching days: A new mum on campus sporting a black eye, six months pregnant and towing a 2 year-old. She was beaten and kicked out by her husband; her family urging her back to the man who is slowly breaking her spirit. She is terrified to go back. Homeless. Alone. Godless.

Or there is the mum who came to talk and ended up revealing a past of agonies and treatment unfit for a dog. Emotionally destitute. Broken. Powerless.

Then I eat dinner. Sit in my house by myself; try to lose myself in a book just to disconnect from reality for a while. Shower. Bed. Wake up and do this again.

So, “happy” is a choice. “Happy” is choosing to find the adventure in this day. Happy is smiling when my mood cannot reflect the smile I wear. Happy is letting God surprise you with Isaac.

Isaac. Beautiful laughter that God rains on me like nuclear fall-out; a bomb that drops and decimates the darkness, brings a smile and joy that changes how I view the world. Isaac, meaning “Laughter” in Hebrew (Genesis 21) is when God made Sara, Abraham’s wife conceive and birth a son. Sara said, “God had made me laugh” (21:6), and thus she named her son Isaac…Laughter.

Laughter, this “fall-out” sticks with me, mutates my very make-up. I marvel at God’s foresight in how He fashioned us, that I might be in the midst of the mundane or depressed and find resurrection in the moment through Isaacing.
The Isaacing, oh the Isaacing!

Love, Katherine in Fiji...

Not so Impressive Impressions

2011-02-24T17:28:00.000-08:00

After a month and a half as a resident at Homes of Hope in Fiji, I have a few initial impressions. More than likely, these first impressions will reshape themselves to a more mature view of my surroundings. Yet, nonetheless, I find them absorbing.

Impression #1: Air-condition Anyone?
Seriously, how humid can a climate be? And when is winter?

Impression #2: That is the Biggest Bug I have EVER Seen!
I think this was my third week when I decided to move the suitcase in my house that has been functioning as my living room-clutter-catchall. Lo’ and behold, I move said suitcase and a centipede that is about 10 inches long runs from underneath the suitcase-straight toward me. I confess I danced and screamed like a sissy, which incited Godzilla to run toward my bedroom. As I chased the critter down with my water bottle, (the only object I had time to snag as the sucker boogied away) all I could think was, “You had better stay away from my bed!” And it did…it went into my broom closet, where I have yet to unearth the monster.

Impression #3: Dinner is Not for You!

No way. Really? Is that lizard seriously going to try and eat my soup? With me sitting right here?

Impression #4: I Have Friends!
How welcome I have felt meeting and getting to know Homes of Hope’s mums (These mums are the ladies who reside at Homes of Hope with their little ones). It has been easy to get to work. In fact my greatest difficulty has been in working too much and forgetting that I am still adjusting to a new culture, climate, and habits.

Impression #5: Hello McDonalds. You are my New Favorite Restaurant.
I will never again underestimate the simple pleasure of a taste of home…even when that “taste of home” is a cheeseburger from McDonalds, the much scorned bad-food joint in the U.S. Oh, man, that first bite into my cheeseburger…ahhhhhhh. Beauty.

You keen to come visit me yet?
:-) By the way, I named the lizard Mojo.

Bula!

2011-02-02T13:32:00.000-08:00

Bula! This is “Hello” in Fijian, and so I greet you from across the ocean.

I am about half way through my third week here at Homes of Hope, and I am settling in well. While my time here has not been without its bumps-among which is spotty internet connection, illness, and the requisite home sickness-but as far as “bumps” go, they have been small and so surmountable.

My tasks thus far have been to settle in to my new role here, get to know the residents on campus (some 30 young mothers and their little ones). However, for now, I must tell you about one:

I had the opportunity to visit Homes of Hope in Fiji during the summer of 2009. While here I met a new resident, a young girl all of 14 years of age. This girl, whom I’ll call Nal, (to protect Nal, her true name is not given) had been sold by her family to a man 30 years her senior in order to pay for her family’s groceries.

At the time I first met Nal, she had a new baby boy fathered by the man whom purchased her. Nal was a belligerent, rude, and stubborn teenage girl. Yet, after watching Nal for a brief time it was plain to see that the anger Nal cloaked herself in was worn to protect herself from further betrayal and pain. I left that summer not liking this woman-child, yet understanding that her attitude and behavior was purely a posture of defense.

Today, Nal is still at Homes of Hope and she is 16; her little boy is 2. And the change in her! The angry, cantankerous, terrified girl is now a leader, setting an example and guiding other young girls who come to the campus. Nal smiles now. Yesterday I heard her laugh. Her eyes no longer scale people, searching, measuring them as if to see what gain they may bring her or if they pose a risk. Nal is changed. Nal has hope. Nal has a future.

This has been the very best welcome.

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane...

2011-01-11T19:05:00.000-08:00

This up-date took way too long for me to get up on the blog, so I apologize. Allow me the excuse of how terrifically busy and joyful this Christmas season has been for me.

The New Year has truly heralded a time of great change and adjustment for me. As of this evening of January 11, 2011 I am 5 days away from departure to Fiji for 3 years. The next time you read a new post from me I will be writing to you from Homes of Hope in Fiji 5,000 miles around the globe, 19 hours ahead of you on the clock, and in the midst of a wet summer in the South Pacific. Bring it!

If you are so inclined, will you pray for me?
Please pray…
• That I and my luggage arrive safely in Fiji on the morning of January 18th
• That I remain in Christ during this time of transition
• That my momma is sustained and conscious of the arms of God wrapping her up as our lives change once again

Thank you!

Arrested: Beautifully Engaged

2010-11-30T17:30:00.000-08:00

Hey Folks! I am recently back from missionary training in Colorado…talk about 5 Weeks of “wow!” Surprisingly, this training focused in on the heart of the participant (Missionaries heading to all corners of the globe).
Topics of discussion and study ranged from conflict styles, spiritual growth, emotional wellbeing, grief, etc. The training was filled to the brim with topics designed to make us Western missionaries think in a different way.

What changed my life:

1) Conflict: I know I am a consummate avoider of conflict. Yet, like most of us, I have never been challenged with the damage my confrontation style generates. I have new tools now. This is Good.

2) Grieving: For some reason, while I emote in a blog, I am forever hiding any demonstrative grief about leaving my family, friends, home, and country for strangers and Fiji. While in training I, along with my comrades, had an opportunity to explore the grief, fear, expectations, and tears that sit in our gut. Now, ask me how I feel about leaving. I will tell you I am excited…but never have I been more uncomfortable in my life. I am filled with anxiety that I keep handing to God because I am tired of it; this anxious feeling is heavy. Good thing my Papa-God’s shoulders are wide. This is Very Good.

3) Community: Few will receive the privilege God has granted me. For 5 weeks I lived with, cried with, laughed, became upset with, and spent veritably every blithering waking moment with 40 individuals who come from all walks of life. Enter men and women, young and old, single and married who have vastly different styles of worship and theological preferences; whom all love Jesus with desperation. Oh, the wisdom! Oh the stories of experience and heartbreak and change.

Oh, my Jesus, the beauty of dirty prisoners robed in Your righteousness. And they go all over with a message: Jesus saves. They will feed, bring water, create business, raise children, run camps, teach, rescue the molested. Live and live and live. What stunning Good. So Good.

And so I am home. For Now.

What now? I get to wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. Good to know that God is good to those who wait on Him, whom seek Him .Lamentations 3:25

Okay, waxing poetic is complete :-) I am waiting on a call from my sending agency that says I am 100% funded for the funds I need to live. I am about $200 shy of what I need. Once I have this last $200 a month coming in I can buy my plane ticket and leave.

Fears, Anxieties, and Audacity.

2010-10-30T19:25:00.001-07:00

I and my thin Phoenix-blood have been calling Palmer Lake, near Colorado Springs home for nearly two weeks now, and will yet be calling this town home for three and a half more.

I am here with 39 other missionaries attending a program bent on preparing us for the mission field. A heavy task this is. Instead of boring you with details of what I am learning here, allow me to share my mind.

Fear. I am fearful. I cannot explain the inner turmoil, the paradox of the excitement and joy of leaving overseas soon, a date that is so near, to the disquiet of leaving my family that has been such a necessary unit for the past year and a half. I am fearful in leaving my steadfast and stalwart support system of mentors and friends. Leaving what is common and safe and known for a place where I have no friends, little knowledge and confidence. God help me; I am scared.

Anxiety. I am anxious for the loneliness I believe will come with leaving such dear ones in the US. Who will call me when I am gone? Who can I vent frustrations to when my day is done? Who is going to celebrate the joys with me? Who will read my face and know when I am upset, simply because they know me well? Who will hold and hug me? Who will laugh with me? God help me; I am anxious.

Audacity. Who am I that I am this audacious to believe I can help, understand, live with, and not be torn asunder by the lives and stories of the women and children I will come to love? I am comfortable with the concept that it is my Jesus who must do the work, but am I able to step aside and be an instrument for Him whom heals? God help me; I am bold without any right to be.

And so I sit in this passage:

God's loyal love couldn't have run out,
his merciful love couldn't have dried up.
They're created new every morning.
How great your faithfulness!
I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over).
He's all I've got left.

God proves to be good to the one who passionately waits,
to the one who diligently seeks.
It's a good thing to quietly hope,
quietly hope for help from God.

Lamentations 3:22-26a [The Message]

America's Hidden Sex Slaves

2010-10-16T15:33:00.000-07:00

Hi friends…I thought I would share this news article with you. Many of us in the West, while knowing about prostitution, are misguided by the notion that Human Trafficking, and in particular, Sex Trafficking is a problem found in 3rd world nations. Read an excerpt from The New York Times article by Nicholas Kristof found in The Week magazine…

Mention America’s “sex-trafficking” industry and most people think of foreign women smuggled into the country, said Nickolas Kristof. In fact, many sex slaves are “homegrown runaway kids.” Just last month, police in Laurel Md., freed 12-year-old girl who’d been imprisoned by a 42 –year-old man who was pimping her out from Washington D.C., to Atlantic City. Two days later, police discovered three other young women being held under threat of death at a motel a block away. So how widespread is this horror?

Thousands of underage American girls are involved in prostitution here; the typical case involves a terrified runaway who is picked up at a bus or train station by a pimp, who often offers her a meal, a place to stay, and convinces her he loves her. “The next thing she knows, she’s having sex with four men a night and all the money is going to her ‘boyfriend.’”

Due to a mix of fear, hopelessness, and “shattered self-esteem,” the girls don’t run away, and law enforcement does not consider them a top priority. Until cops get serious about arresting both pimps and johns, more young girls will become chattel in this distinctly American form of “21st-century slavery.”

I "Heart" Updates...

2010-09-20T13:43:00.000-07:00

At the moment I am a hair’s-breadth from being fully funded. At most, all I need is about $100-$150 more a month to be fully funded.

So, here are my up and coming plans:
-My mom, brother (Peter), and myself will take a last-hurrah vacation in October to simply enjoy each other. Then on the 18th of October I will report to Colorado Springs for 5 weeks of missions training.

-Upon completing this training I believe I will be fully funded and able to buy a plane ticket to Fiji.
Enter dilemma Number One: To leave before Christmas or to leave after Christmas; I have not quite decided which I will choose. I will wait and see and make a decision as the time draws nearer.
Regardless, by the 1st of the year it is my hope to be in Fiji or in-route.

-My Visa or Permit to Reside in Fiji is on its way-thus making my 3 year temporary residence in the Fiji Islands a shoe-in. Rock on!

Visa!

2010-08-19T10:49:00.000-07:00

Alright folks…The permit that is necessary for me to move, live, and work in the Fiji Islands has been approved!

Currently, Homes of Hope is waiting for the paperwork to be fully processed, and then they can pick it up for me. Thus, the only thing keeping me from leaving right now is the last of the funds I need to move, live, and work there.

Thanks for praying with me, and praise Jesus; He does all things.

Here. There. Everywhere...

2010-08-08T20:16:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from a jog around the country this past month. From St. Louis and Town and Country, Missouri to visit West Hills Community Church…you guys are forever patient and welcoming. And you always give me AMAZING food! May I one day get to make you amazing hot dogs, or something equally lame because I can never be as good a cook as you all.

Then to visit South Carolina to hang with family and have a meeting or two…Man oh man, it’s like a sauna there.

Finally to Bass Lake, near Fresno, California to visit with my family at The Little Church in the Pines. And thanks to the generosity of Little Church I am about $600shy of my monthly monetary needs to live in Fiji.

Conceivably, dear friends, I can meet the necessary financial goals by the end of this month. I am thrilled to see what God will do.
I have to admit, a month ago, I was thinking I might be hanging around till next Spring before I could move to Fiji. Yet, it looks like God has different ideas and might have me there this Fall.

My efforts now are pressing forward to get the final $400 and to get my Visa, or “Permit to Work” in Fiji. I have already submitted all the necessary paperwork, and my partnership at Homes of Hope is waiting to pick it up for me.

Here’s some prayer request if you are so inclined to throw me at God in conversation:
Please pray for the final funds and permit to come through-I know it will in God’s time. So instead, just pray for me to be patient and diligent in the meantime :)

Pray that I remain submitted to God, seeking Him, at His feet.

Please, please, pleeeease PRAY for my youngest brother, Alex, a Marine, who at this moment is in the Middle East with his comrades in arms.

And, onward, here, there, and everywhere…

Sex Slave

2010-06-21T15:12:00.001-07:00

Considering the work I want to do in the area of Sex Trafficking in the South Pacific, I find it odd that I have not yet seen the movie Taken (2008). I watched the film for the first time this past weekend.

In short, the film is about an American teen-aged girl who is kidnapped in Europe to be sold at auction as a sex slave. The girl’s father is able to find his daughter and her abductors. Daddy saves his little girl. Daddy meets out justice. Daddy saves the day. Great movie.

Overly dramatic in ways, the parallels to this film and what actually happen in our world are nonetheless stunning. Right this moment there is a young person somewhere who is forced into the furthest reaches of human depravity-she is treated as only a body, a number.
In this movie the happy ending was heralded with daddy’s arrival. Yet, the few true “happy endings” are of girls whose daddys never arrive in time. Her daddy never shows up.

Justice is that there is a Daddy, Abba God, who knows. He is in the pits with this girl, and to Him she is precocious beyond all creation. She has a name. And just as our God provides for me and my family, just as He puts food on your table and keeps you in clothing, He will provide for her.

I am glad. Time to work. May we take part in God’s portion that will bring Justice. May we never sit by when He calls us to change the world, one beloved person at a time.

Back in Business

2010-04-26T16:41:00.001-07:00

Me and Mom

Well, it’s official as possible for the time being.
I am preparing for work in the Fiji Islands. For those of you who have been in touch with me, you have been aware, to some extent that I have been working my way towards moving to Fiji in order to do ministry with women and children. For those of you who are short on details, here’s the skinny:
Last summer I was gifted with the opportunity to visit a ministry near the capitol city, Suva, in Fiji. The ministry there is a residential community wherein several missionary families work to provide prevention and awareness, rescue, and rehabilitation to women and children rescued from sex trafficking. This ministry is Homes of Hope.
Homes of Hope and I put our heads together to see if I could have a role and fill a place there, in Fiji. The resounding answer: Yes. So, after praying all last fall, I came to a point of readiness in February, and I started moving forward.
With some prayer and God’s timing in the bag, I will be looking at moving to Fiji late this summer or next fall. What I have to do now is build my support base back up. Last year, when I made the decision for a year-long hiatus after my dad’s death, most of my financial supporters went on hiatus with me at my request. Now I need to get everyone back on board so I can be financially stable while living in Fiji.

…Okay, there are all the dry details. What really is going on in my head…

I do not think I could have imagined this past year.
To go from Nigeria, to a sudden trip home due to my dad’s unexpected death, living with the reality of life without him, and knowledge that nothing will ever be as it was. One might think that you get over such feelings. Sure, the ache eases, and I smile, and joy fills the day, and there is light. Oh, what light. But just last night, I found myself brushing my teeth, and I wandered into my parents’ adjoining closet. I’ve been in there a lot, maybe because I can still smell my dad in this one place. Their closet has changed shape these past months due to the fact that my mom has begun to pack my dad’s clothes away to give to a local charity. Yet, in this one moment, as I brushed my teeth, it was not the emptied side that made my heart stutter. For a moment, for one moment, I heard my dad’s voice. Not clear, like he was actually speaking, but I heard the memory of it. How it penetrated and resonated, how it soothed because it was constant and represented safety. For that split second, as the carpet was in jeopardy of tooth-paste-drool, I was devastated because the memory of my dad’s voice will fade. And one day I will not remember it, I fear. So I live and laugh, and sometimes I ache.

So, from home last spring to whirlwind excursions to Fiji in June and July and August. Then Jury Duty in the fall. What a hoot that was, and how much fun to be a part of a four-month long trial. I do have a new appreciation for the verbal dexterity of lawyers. I mean, wow.
Now, here I am in April, simply excited. While I treasured the past year at home, I am ready to go, to run, to race, ready to continue the adventure.

2010-03-16T21:20:00.000-07:00

Hey!
Changes are coming!
Stay tuned...

Trust. In. HIM.

2009-04-06T19:46:00.000-07:00

Hello my dear friends.

I made a commitment to my supporters (financial supporters, prayer supporters, encouragers, and otherwise) almost 6 months ago that I would do my utmost to keep you informed and up to date with my mission movements. Thus, I apologize for my lack of communication this past month.

However, I know most of you, and I know many of you well; I know you do not begrudge me this time of peace and healing. While I love my God, while I trust in Him, while the dawn of a new day brings my mother and brothers and myself rays of hope, we are yet wounded.

Allow me to tell you the story. I realize several of you may be unaware of the death in my family, and many of you are unaware of the circumstances surrounding this death and my abrupt and unplanned departure from Nigeria nearly a month ago.
On March 7th, 2009 my parents were sitting in church together partaking of the Saturday evening service. My dad had just completed giving a message to nearly 400 children and their parents on Hope at the monthly Family Experience (FX) show, a program put on by a cast of dedicated individuals from my Sun Valley Church Family.
Mom and Dad sat together in church. The music of praise to our God had just ended, and the congregation was taking communion as the first of 379 individuals prepared to be baptized during that particular weekend service. My mother and father took communion together, and not 30 seconds later my dad breathed his last and joined his God in Heaven.

About five hours later and 8 time-zones away I woke up to the most devastating of calls. I desperately wanted to be home with my mom and brothers, yet I never wanted to be so far away as I was then. I could go on for hours about the next several days. I could tell you about the miracles of God getting me home in 3 and ½ days. I could tell you about the love of a church family that grieved with me and mine and loved us in complete ferocity. I could tell you about the heartbreak and broken dreams. But I will not.

I must tell you about my Good God. My heart weeps at this moment as I bask in the love my God has lavished upon me. Not once…NOT ONCE through this process have I felt alone. From the moment my world changed to this very day I have been cradled on the lap of my Almighty Father in Heaven. He has let me weep and dried my tears and loved me. Never have I been so aware of my God’s love than during this time of sorrow. Never have I been so aware of homecoming and LIFE, for the reality of my dad’s death is this: From partaking in a paltry representation of incredible sacrifice, communion, a symbol of Christ’s love and sacrifice-Jesus’ flesh broken and blood poured out so that you and I might have life in Him- my dad went to kneeling in awe at the feet of His LORD and Savior. Do you see? He went from drinking some grape juice and eating a cracker to the ecstasy of being in the presence of God. I miss him, but, oh, my daddy at 51 had a life well lived…and I believe his work continues as he exists in the totality and love of our Great God.

As for me and my family, we believe in God and His goodness, for He has told us to Trust In HIM. So we will. While weeping may tarry for the night, we know joy comes with the dawn. We miss dad, but our dawn has come. God has come.

These two pieces below are the obituary I wrote and eulogy I gave at my dad’s Life Celebration service. I hope they give you a picture of the man he was,
the man he is.

Obituary
Jerry Wayne Robinson
Jerry Wayne Robinson, beloved husband and father, passed away on March 7, 2009 he was 51 years old. Jerry was born on August 15, 1957 in St. Louis, Missouri. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Deb Robinson of Gilbert, his daughter, Katherine Robinson, three sons, Jake Robinson, Peter Robinson, and Alex Robinson, his father, Jerry F. Robinson, and two brothers, Tom and Marty Robinson. After service in the military, Jerry worked as an engineer for 24 years. Jerry's first love was always his God and his family. His life demonstrated a love for people and service to them. Generous of heart, Jerry was quick to help those who needed it. He loved his church family and found his second home there at Sun Valley Community Church. Known for his sense of humor and love for people, Jerry is missed, but his family and church remain secure in his love and belief in his Savior, Jesus Christ. His family knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that in Christ they will one day be reunited. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at Sun Valley Community Church, 465 East Ray Road, Gilbert, AZ at 11:00 a.m.

Eulogy
Most of you know my dad.
You know my dad as someone who loves church, as a man with a ready smile and quick hand to help. You know my dad as a prankster, someone with myriad jokes-jokes often offered at inappropriate times. You know my dad, and you enjoyed him. Loved him. But we kids want to share how we knew my dad.
Second to being a child of God, my dad was a husband. Dad loved his wife with a fervor that belies the 33 years they have been blessed with. Great and grand is my dad’s heart, and great and grand is the love my parents shared. If you’ve watched my dad with my mom you have seen his care of her, his care for her. Dad was enamored with Mom.
My brothers and myself have grown into adults seeing their love, and during these last few years, their love was especially sweet. We have watched them, listened to them, and we now, all four of us, yearn for the love they have had. I pray that my brothers and myself might be blessed to have the love they have had for as long as they have had each other…Husbands, wives, love each other. This is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children.
Third, after being a child of God and husband, my dad was a father. Through the times when dad was stern, mad, in a bad mood…we NEVER doubted his love. Emulating God’s love for His children, my dad loved us ardently. Never an absent father, dad was involved, consistent, supportive, strict, happy. My dad laughed with us. He is proud of us; in life we remember beautiful moments where dad let us know in simple words and with simple touches how proud of us he was…how he found such pleasure in us. I believe our God has welcomed my dad into His arms with a whispered, “Well done, my good and faithful servant”-and in a thousand ways my dad has looked at us, his children, and while with us he has said with but a glance, well done my sons. Well done my daughter. Keep going.
My dad’s legacy to his children, and his grand children one day are these:
-An inheritance of living for God. Christ is our LORD and Savior.
-Honor and integrity-dad oozed this.
-Love. It ruled his life.
-Warrior-fierce of nature and tender of heart, my dad was our hero.
We don’t say these things to be poignant or to make you weep. We don’t say them for pity. I say them because we four kids and my mom love my dad, and we celebrate who God made him, the child of God, the husband, the father, the friend, the servant.
Sun Valley, on behalf of myself and my brothers and my mother, we thank you. Thank you for your quick love, grand support- this is a love and service that befits a church seeking after God’s heart. Specifically from my brother Jake, we thank you for your help.
To God be the glory, my friends. We are blessed this day. Chase after God. Each breath is precious and on loan. Love your family and friends, and love the God who belongs to you if you would have Him.
And I leave you with this verse that has brought my mother and myself such comfort:
Zephaniah 3:17-The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.

First Impressions

2009-03-01T10:51:00.000-08:00

Here are some of my first impressions of Gembu, Nigeria.

1) Dusty. Really, really dusty. Here, everything is covered in a thick layer of red clay dust that does not come off, even with vigorous cleaning. In fact, when I shaved my legs the other night (Yes, I know, TMI…you’ll live), along with my leg hair, I shaved off a layer of this dust. Guess I’ll be clean when I get home.

2) Full of life. While Gembu is a moderate size town of 80,000 (Including surrounding villages that extend several miles out through the valley), it is a town teeming with life. Clay houses, close markets with vendors, and lots of ripe smelling bodies (My friends, the B.O. is beyond belief! You get used to it though).

3) Loud. Long before the sun rises around 6:15, Gembu is awake and beginning its day. I reside in a house at the end of town, near a jungle of eucalyptus trees. However, in front of the house is a busy road where cattle and goats are herded by boy-shepherds. Every morning the children from the village walk along this road carrying pails and bowls on their heads, trooping to the stream at the bottom of the Gembu valley. Here, the children fill their containers with brown water and carry it back on their heads to their huts (It’s some serious balance, folks. I can’t even walk and chew gum). Along the way, the children chatter and sing, banging on their containers. And if this does not wake me, the mullahs do. Around 4:45 every morning the mosques in the village come to life with the prayers of the Muslim mullahs (teachers). Over loud speakers, they chant the morning prayers and fill Gembu with their sound. It is quite beautiful, except for the fact that I’d love to get another hour of sleep.

4) Slow. The pace is slow. The only people who are in a hurry for anything or to anywhere are the white men-all three of us :) .

5) Broken. Naturally, I was prepared for the destitution, but the poverty is surreal. Yet, it is the lack of hope in the eyes of some that really make my heart ache. On Friday I was working in the pharmacy of Gembu’s health clinic (FDA, look out!) taking inventory of the Anti Retro Viral drugs when a young women, perhaps 20, came in having just found out she is HIV positive. The pharmacist that I was working with proceeded to walk her through the process of taking her many medicines-a horrendous task considering the fact that these people do not often have more than one meal a day, no clean water, and have no concept of time except for sunrise and sunset; now she must regulate drugs that are taken 8 times a day, and often on an empty stomach. The countenance of this woman was that of embarrassment, fear, and hopelessness. She has no father or mother, lives with her neighbors because her brothers do not have the room for her in their homes, and now she will never have the opportunity for marriage. In her eyes, her life as she knows it has no future. My heart broke. All I wanted to do was walk over, embrace this woman, dry her tears, and tell her how precious she is in the sight of our LORD. Then a thought occurred to me, and I prayed, “Father, if my heart is weeping for this girl, what must Yours feel like, since I know you love her more than I ever could?”
She may not know it yet, but there is hope. Great hope. The greatest hope. Her life has meaning. I pray that she discovers the love the Father has for her before she dies-oh, how enamored our God is with her!

I feel as if I can go on, and on; and these are only my first thoughts. Hope you enjoyed a taste of Nigeria, friends. I do believe I am falling in love.

Welcomed by a Singing Fridge

2009-02-24T04:28:00.000-08:00

After what seemed like an endless rhythm of land, change planes fly for 8 hours, land, change planes, fly for 8 hours I finally arrived and set foot on Nigerian soil Sunday night. I stood in line to be processed by immigration for an hour, and then found myself greeted by a sweltering evening in Abuja, the capitol city of Nigeria.

I had the opportunity to see pieces of Abuja this night as we drove from the airport, but I’ll admit I felt rather comatose and incapable of processing much. Forty minutes after we left the airport we arrived at a mission hostel that would house us for the one night we would spend in Abuja. I was pleasantly surprised by the hostel, which afforded me a bed, toilet, and tub for a bucket bath (A bucket bath is a bath wherein you fill the bucket with water and proceed to bathe by this bucket)…yet, what really made me smile was the fridge. Yes, my room had a tiny fridge, and as I proceeded to open said fridge to cool my bottle of water I was greeted with a weak breath of cool air (cool compared to the heat of the room), and behold, my fridge sang as I opened the door. Indeed it belted out a music-box tune (Green Sleeves, I believe was the song) with a ferocity that belied its attempt to actually cool the interior of the fridge. I had to chuckle as I thought, “Welcome to Africa, Katherine.”

Wish I Had Frequent Flyer Miles

2009-02-19T17:24:00.000-08:00

I am currently in Chicago, and much like Minnesota, it is cold. Go figure.
Yet, I am here in the Windy City briefly. On Wednesday, the 18th I flew into Chicago for the express purpose of meeting one of my ministry partners, providing us with the opportunity to get to know each other. On Saturday, the 21st the two of us will fly from Chicago to Frankfort, Germany, and then from Germany to Abuja, Nigeria, (Yes, folks. Get out your globes-that’s on the other side of the world and 8 time-zones away). God willing, I will be on African soil come Monday morning…And then another two days of travel…I shudder to think on it, therefore I’ll tell you about this journey AFTER the fact. I will be in Nigeria for 6 weeks in order to observe and participate in this HIV/AIDS prevention and family care ministry.

My hope is to be able to update this blog at least once a week, if not twice while I am there. Of course these updates are entirely dependent upon internet access and available electricity. We shall have to see.

Well, friends, with luck my next post will be from Gembu, Nigeria. Till then, fare thee well!

Knee-Deep Snow and 8 Below

2009-02-08T18:34:00.000-08:00

I spent the past week and a half investigating life in sub-zero temperatures…I do believe I now know what it feels like to live in a freezer. I and my ubber-thin Arizona blood had great fun at a retreat in Farmington, Minnesota courtesy of Converge Worldwide. In between bouts of counseling (Despite my great concerns they still think I’m fairly sane), and training, I had fun traipsing around in snow up to my knees. I have never beheld so much snow in my life! I even got to walk around in snow-shoes; you know those funny looking shoes that resemble tennis rackets strapped to your feet…? And I only fell three times! If it were not for my hapless and seasoned Minnesota guides, Tim and Amy, I might very well still be stuck in that last hole. Good thing they only laughed for a few minutes before dragging me out.

After the retreat I had the opportunity to spend five days pursuing meetings with churches in the Twin Cities area. I was fairly discouraged at first, I’ll admit, as only one church responded. However, another church who’s Pastor and missions committee I have been blessed to get to know well invited me to spend the weekend with them. As always, what ensued was God’s provision, (You’d think I would just come to expect it). It was this church who found a family for me to stay with, as well as invited me to several events where I had a splendid time getting to know members of the congregation. I watched the Super Bowl at the Pastor’s house. (I was so sure the Cardinals were going to make it!) In the end I had such fun, and I was wonderfully blessed by this giving church family who just poured out a generosity of time and kindness. I thank God for them and their Servant’s heart!
Now I am back in sunny AZ and I am preparing for another trip….
Stay tuned, my friends!

Spanish Prayers

2009-01-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

I am only recently home from Basconcobe, Mexico where I spent a week with a team of ten individuals on a short ministry trip. Basconcobe is the seat of a much loved ministry of my heart known as RAVAH. This ministry serves pastors and their congregations in southernmost Sonora, Mexico.

The two weeks leading up to this trip found me on my knees before the LORD. Why? I was filled with doubt, insecurity, and fear. My prayer to God was simply, “Please, Daddy. Please give me some confirmation that I am doing what You called me to do, that I am indeed following the right path, that yes, I am to go to Nigeria and serve in the ministry I have been striving for.”
I went with the full expectation that God had something to tell me in that dusty agricultural village.

Full of the anticipation that God would speak, and speak in such a way that I would hear I waited for God’s voice. I did not wait for long. In fact, I heard from God on the subject of my heart the very first day.
Here is the story:
Our first evening there, in Basconcobe found our team working to serve 30 pastors and their families at a social gathering. The pastors and their families (200 people) were there to receive thanks from RAVAH for their faithful service to their congregations and communities. We supped together, laughed, and prayed together, two cultures and two languages living for and loving the one true God.

Rather abruptly I heard my name called to the center of the crowd. Intimated, as I had not a clue what was going on, I found myself the sudden attention of 200 people and surrounded by 30 pastors. As one pastor spoke to the group of 30 men surrounding me I caught two words: Missionary and Africa.

My first thought was that the pastors were seeking to hear my testimony. I’d give it, and gladly. But instead of being asked to speak I was touched by each pastor. Then as one, each pastor began to pray a different prayer in Spanish. Oh, how to describe the thrill that ran down my spine and the sudden clarity that their words were spoken as the breath of God…As they began to pray, with their hands on me, I was overcome with weeping by the gift from my Heavenly Daddy. Their prayers washed over me as a tide of God’s voice.

They finished, and still weeping I shook their hands and choked out my thanks, “Gracias. Dios te Bendiga” (Thank you. God bless you). I walked away to compose myself and to stand in awe of my LORD for a moment.
I spent the remainder of the short mission trip unpacking what God had said in that moment: In the midst of a sleepy village, surrounded by shepherd pastors and their families, I was commissioned by God, again. Now, it is a world movement of the body of Christ, the Church as one. I have been commissioned: “So, just go, Katherine. The details will work themselves out; they are not unknown to Me, my beloved. Go, I shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace, daughter.”

What if I'm Not Content?

2008-12-17T10:55:00.000-08:00

I celebrated my 25th birthday on December 12th. As a result of this occasion, I will now say something that will have many rolling their eyes: I feel old!
Now, I do not necessarily feel old in body, but in the sense that the passage of time does not jive with the age my driver’s license says I am. Am I really 25? It seems that I was just finishing high school and moving on to college.
Such ruminations bring about a question many of us have pondered and many of us cringe at: Is this where I wanted to be? You know what I am talking about; the moment in which you pause in the midst of the monotony of your day and you wonder, “Is this it? I mean, really? Is this where I am supposed to be? This is not what I had planned for my life.”
I need to confess, being single, living at home, and currently jobless at 25 is NOT where I planned to be. I think many in the Christian community, myself included, operate under the misconception that being called to such an adventure as overseas missions as a single individual calls for a perfect contentment with the lack of a mate. Allow me to be candid in saying that being a missionary does not mean I am fully content to put my romantic desires on hold. I’m coming out of the closet! Yes, I want to get married.
I want a husband who loves God. One whom I can build a partnership and a family with.
But marriage and family roots is not where I am currently at.
Now, now, I know some of you are saying, “For goodness’ sake, Katherine. You are 25! You have plenty of time to get married!” My rejoinder: “I know!” Think about it though: I’ll be gone for 3 years, and the odds are against me finding a husband in rural Nigeria. I will be 28 when I come home, utterly broke, and still living at my parents’ house. Seriously! Can I not be a bit daunted by this?
Yet, regardless of whether I come home and get married, the fact remains that I, at 25, am not where I wanted to be. I pause and ask, “Am I content?”
The answer: “ Yes.” Do I still desire what I currently do not have? “Yep.” Is this okay? Can I still be in love with serving God as a single woman, moving to Nigeria to work with little girls, and still want…something more? Why in the world not, I ask you? God knows my heart and desires. He very well might never give me what I want (I.e. a husband and children of my own), but I am still madly in love with Him, and I will still follow Him to the ends of the earth and into the yard of hell should He lead me there.
Even if this is not where I anticipated being at 25, I do know this: I am exactly where God has called me to. I’m in the center of His will. Is it always fun? Nope. Is it safe there? Certainly not. But I go with Him, and what better Partner could I ask for? (Rhetorical question there.)
I have peace and purpose, so I praise the LORD and live by this:
The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with singing! Zephaniah 3:17

Hey, go Figure...

2008-11-28T19:27:00.000-08:00

So, I am having an absolute blast with God’s providence…and why are we amazed when God answers prayer? Well, maybe it’s just me.

Background…
In September I was talking with God when I had a random thought, and I talked it over with Him for a moment. My thought was, “Hey, LORD, what if I pray for strategic dates where I have a certain amount of my budget?” (The deal with the budget is that I must have people and churches commit to give a certain amount of money every single month in order for me to live and minister in Nigeria. When I have this full commitment I will be at 100% of my monthly budge, and I can go.) So, I said, “God, I want to be within Your time-table for me to leave to Nigeria. If that means it takes me 5 years to get to 100% of my budget, I’m okay with that. So, within Your will, and because I want to pray big, I’m asking for a certain amount by these dates:
• November 40% of my budget taken care of…
• December 50% of my budget
• January 60% of my budget
• February 70-80% of my budget
• March 31st 100% of my budget…buying my plane ticket, God!
“So, my Father, if it’s Your will, I’d love to meet these deadlines. Amen.”
Thus I prayed, and then promptly put this in the back of my mind. I would not think on these dates and deadlines again until November (good thing I wrote them down, huh).

November…
Fast forward to November 4th. I was talking with my boss over the phone when he told me that I had reached 41% of my budget. I remembered my prayer and list. My Response: “What!?!” Are you serious!?!”

November 21st…
I was talking again to my boss when he again informed me of my budget status…47%.

Astonished…
God is really doing this! My quick and forgotten prayer delivered to my LORD three months ago is coming about. Now I sit in anticipation of 50% on December 1st, 60% on January 1st, and so on, ‘cause you know what, my friends? My God is big enough to do this.

Back from Chicago, and Winded.

2008-11-11T18:54:00.000-08:00

I just returned from Chicago, and what a whirlwind week it was. We were there for training.

The “we” are the 14 missionary appointees who were all commissioned in June together, myself included. We come from all parts of this great nation, and we are called to all parts of the globe, and we are all following the same path: We are on a journey to follow the will of God in prayerfully discovering whom He has called to partner with us in our perspective ministries…and they are all just as weird as I am, if not weirder.

Anyhow, it was so much fun to be together again...Late nights. Computer chats when we should be paying attention during discussions and lectures. Cameras and waaaaay to many embarrassing pictures. Objects in Katherine’s nose, and more pictures. Food and beanies. Hilarity ensued.

All in all, I’m feeling relaxed, refreshed, trained…and tired :). So, I’m taking a day off and getting ready for more God-stuff to happen.

…And a support update: 41% of my budget raised and counting!!!

Wait.

2008-10-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

Wait. Not an easy thing for most of us to do, and certainly not overly productive, yes?
Or is it? Wait.
You know, I thought I would use this blog to regale my family, friends, and the random stranger with my experiences traveling to raise support, and then with stories of my life in Nigeria. To an extent, I suppose I am. And yet, I find myself using this blog to share my God-moments. Like the purpose of this blog, my expectations are often wrong and call me to uncertainty.

And also in the case of these past 10 days, my expectations were wildly off the mark.
On Tuesday, October 14th, I rented a car to take a seemingly endless drive from Gilbert, AZ to O’Neals, CA, just outside of Yosemite National Park. Yep, that’s an 11-hour drive…honestly, who’s bright idea was that?
(In case you didn’t catch the sarcasm, it was my idea.)

My purpose in traveling to Central California was to visit churches in the hopes of gaining financial partnerships, and to also see some friends who were so kind as to share their home and time with me and play guide to my tourist. I do believe, however, that God had me there for an entirely different reason.

I visited with three different churches. But in the midst of seeking partnerships I had much time to myself without my computer, without my books, without television, without my phone (no service in the mountains. Go figure). What was a gal to do? I spent hours wandering my friends’ ranch. Hours sitting on rocks and praying, reading the breath of God, hours sitting with silence in my heart. This was not a peaceful time for me, mostly because I often see myself in a race to get prayer support and money quickly in order to get to Nigeria, and I was doing nothing…I’m not so Que Sera, Sera in matters of my ministry. Then God throws me for a loop and reminds me of my priorities, and that this life He has led me to is not about money, not about what I envision the goal to be, not even about people.

What I came away with…I’m not quite sure yet. I have some impressions, but just that. Impressions. I won’t interpret them into some life-lesson, because I’m not sure what the lesson is. But here they are, none the less.

Colossians 1:11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with JOY, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. (emphasis mine)

Revelation 4:8 Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.

…and “WAIT”. Oswald Chambers said, “When God brings the blank space, see that you do not fill it in, but wait”.

So, I’ll finish with this: May you find peace and rest in the sovereignty of God, even when He brings you to a place where your expectations are far beyond, well, your expectations. May you rest in Him when nothing is as you would have had it. May you lie in wait for the LORD when all He has led you to is “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Ahhh, The Sweet Smell of God's Victory...Over me!

2008-10-02T13:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tricked yourself into believing that you have given God control and that you remain in complete faith with Him? Well, I discovered during my visit to St. Louis that I was not giving God full control over the process of my life that involves raising financial support so that I can move to Nigeria.

As you may know, I left for St. Louis for 10 days in order to visit with family…and I had a wonderful time connecting up with anyone that can be loosely connected to the Robinson name. However, I was also there to build ministry partnerships with churches in the St. Louis area. I had the opportunity, through much persistence and a gi-normous phone bill (and as many times as I called, I bordered on being rude) to meet with missions committees and pastors from three different churches.

So, here is the scoop: I arrived on Monday and spent the day with my Grandpa. But the next morning I woke up feeling burdened with the weight of defeat, helplessness, and failure. You see, despite my calls and mail harassment to 20 churches in St. Louis, I was unable to reach even one pastor, or someone even loosely associated with the leadership of a church. Yet, until this second morning in St. Louis I had never been discouraged. I woke, sat outside on the deck, and proceeded to call church after church one final time…nevertheless, after my fifth call I put the phone down to stare out towards the knot of trees that line my Grandpa’s house, filled with anxiety. What went through my head: “What am I doing here? I am no good at this, and clearly I wasn’t listening to God when I thought and prayed about seeking financial partnerships from churches here.” So, I sat. I feared rejection and failure. We all do to some extent or another.

But slowly a realization came to me…regardless of whether I had been in tune with God’s will in coming to St. Louis for ministry partnership or not, I was here, and that I can, should, and will trust Him to bring about church partnership…even if not one single church would call me back. At this moment I knew that I had been selfishly clinging to control of my desire and need for support from churches.

I have said this often, yet sometimes I don’t practice what I preach-that, “God, I want You in control over every aspect of my life, because Your way is the way of peace, understanding, joy, and contentment for me.” So, it was time to give God control…After all, God was in the driver’s seat whether I was willing to acknowledge His driving abilities or not, He's like the ultimate GPS system. I gave it all up to God.

Twenty minutes later three pastors called to set up meetings with me.
2 Timothy 2:13 When we are faithless, He (God) remains faithful.

Let's here it for Mapquest!!!

2008-09-19T20:13:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh, the sweet...I mean greasy aroma of White Castles. The long lines at Ted Drew's, (best ice cream in the world!)

So, I am in St. Louis enjoying the hospitality of my oh, so indulgent Grandpa, otherwise known as Gramps. The main purpose of my trip is to visit family, some of which I haven't seen in several years and may not see again before I leave for Nigeria. However, another reason I am here is to establish relationships and seek the aid of churches in this area. So, how does Mapquest come in handy?...well, duh, in finding places.

In short, I have spent my days letting Gramps buy me lunch :) and take me sightseeing, and trying to make contact with churches and their pastors. Mapquest has saved my sanity in helping me to find said churches and pastors...and a White Castles restaurant or two.

I am thrilled to have been able to meet up with one missions committee, and I am planning to visit two different churches on Sunday morning...both of which have services at the exact same time. Needless to say, Sunday will be a bit tricky. But, hey, I have my trusty cell phone, Mapquest, and a panic button.

25% and Counting!!!

2008-08-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

Oh, man! So, I am unofficially at about 25%-27% of my total monthly support raised! ( I say unofficially because I have yet to see any of my contributions and the names of those contributors.)

If you think about it, I have only been raising my support for nearly a month. Some days I look at my week and think that I'll never get all of my support raised, but when I look at what God has done, all in one month (!) I am astounded and so blessed!

So, "Where is this money coming from," you might ask...my greatest contributor is from my home church, SunValley Community Church, who has prayed and decided to provide me with about 1/5 of the total monthly amount I need.

The rest of the amount is coming from individual supporters right now, and it is my prayer that about 60%-70% of my total monthly support will come from individuals. Why? Because I love the personal side of having INDIVIDUALS taking part and ownership of saving lives and spreading the gospel in Nigeria. Yes, so cliché, I know, but your contribution is changing lives in Central Africa!

Well, right now I am working hard at getting my second news letter out. Hopefully they will all be in the mail by Tuesday and Wednesday...by the way, if you'd like a news letter and you did not get my first one, drop me a line by leaving a comment on this post...yes, I do read them all!...in fact, I wish I had more...Hint! Hint!

Anywho...Gembu, Nigeria here I come.

Blah, blah, blah...

2008-08-14T11:04:00.000-07:00

Lately God has revealed two major themes to me.
One: Spiritual warfare.
Many times I live life as if there is no enemy that has a purpose to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:9). The fact is that we have the opportunity for untold peace, and that when we live within the will of God, we act upon His will and do the work that He has assigned us...we become a threat to the enemy and suddenly find ourselves in the enemy’s cross-hairs; we are to be taken out of commission. So, God tells us to suit up, to take up the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:13). May it be so with us.
Two: Belief.
I so often hear, and state myself, that we must believe IN God. Indeed, but may we be a generation whom BELIEVES God. I believe IN God's will and purpose...but do I BELIEVE Him?-That God will prevail against my strongholds and addictions? Do we truly believe God when He says we can live life abundantly? I'm not sure about you, my friends, but I find myself so humbled when the good God shows me my unbelief. After all, He is faithful to all generations (Psalm 119:89-90), He fight.s our battles (Exodus 14:14), He guides us and heals us (Deuteronomy 33:27, Psalm 34:18, Psalm 147:3). May we be a people who Believes God.

Curious about my ministry...?

2008-07-25T18:20:00.000-07:00

…for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 1:9
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The Crisis…
As the HIV/AIDS crisis has spread throughout the world, this plague has had catastrophic affects on the continent of Africa. This generation and generations to come are to witness the devastating epidemic of HIV/AIDS that has brought about the death of hundreds of millions, orphaned millions of children, caused appalling social problems, exasperated economic woes, and has helped to destroy cultural traditions of the peoples of Africa.
The Reality:
By 2010, 40 million orphaned children will need basic aid.
Infection rates are 5 times higher among adolescent girls than boys.
90% of HIV positive children received the virus from their mothers.
Statistics show that the HIV/AIDS epidemic will not even begin to subside until 2020. The final death toll has not even been hazarded.
There is no cure for the AIDS virus. Yet, there is hope to be had in the merciful grace of Jesus Christ, and in the wake of Christ’s salvation is transformation.
Imagine…
So, imagine, a generation that not only witnesses the devastation of AIDS, but a generation that responds with love and aid to this tragedy and brings with them a message of good news.

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and eighth most populous country in the world. In Nigeria, one person is infected with HIV every minute of every day. Many are the victims of cultural traditions and practices and promiscuity.
Ministering in Nigeria offers strategic opportunities to serve people of all religions, among them Christians, Muslims, and Pagans, men, women, and children.
Complex Problems -Simple Solutions…
HIV is often spread through promiscuous habits. If men and women are educated in healthier sexual practices, such as abstinence, educated in the causes of the spread of AIDS, and educated in basic sanitary habits, the deaths due to HIV infection could be greatly abated.
Mothers who are HIV positive can prevent the spread of the virus to their infants if they are provided with drugs that can inhibit the passing of the virus from mother to child before and during birth. The spread of the disease could also be prevented if mothers are provided with infant formula, as a mother can pass on the virus through breastfeeding.
Due to cultural traditions and practices women are often at the mercy of the men in their communities. When a woman’s husband dies, the wife and mother is often left destitute. The mother may have several children to care for and feed, and she may be forced to beg. Common is the story where a widowed mother, to fend off hunger, resorted to prostitution in order to feed herself and her children-further perpetuating or leaving the mother and children at risk to HIV.
Tragically, false cures for the HIV virus abound. Infected men are told that sex with a virgin will cure his disease. Adolescent girls especially are at risk in being seduced or raped.
Art and Dorothy Helwig have been working and serving in Nigeria's Mambilla Plateau for several years, providing HIV/AIDS treatment and preventive education and caring for ill and starving families. Currently, the Helwigs serve thousands of individuals in several communities. Much of their ministry is based upon contact with community elders and setting up family care programs that identify and reach out to orphaned children, families with parents dying of AIDS, widows, and families who are struggling to feed themselves. This is a heavy labor and burden for Art and Dorothy for, as Jesus said in Luke 10:2 “The harvest is truly great, but the laborers are few”. The Helwigs are seeking ministry staff and workers to come and labor alongside the lost, lonely, and broken of Nigeria’s Mambilla Plateau.
The LORD healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. Psalm 147:3
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Advancing God’s kingdom…
I desire to work and live with the needy and broken of Africa; I have been called to answer the need for more workers. My heartfelt hope is to see God praised and glorified in the Mambilla Plateau, and in all of Nigeria, then unto Africa, and to the ends of the earth.
God, in His grace, has called me to serve…
I grew up with a love for people…all the while God has shaped my heart around serving Him. God has called and equipped me to travel with Him to Central Africa to serve, as He has burdened my heart for those who do not know the love of Christ. They need to know that the LORD has not forsaken them and that they must seek His will.
I am gifted in teaching and have been teaching in public schools for over two years.
I have lead up to 10 small groups and Bible studies for over 6 years.
I have traveled to 5 nations and have spent a total of 4 months in South Africa and Namibia. In Namibia, I was privileged to work in two separate villages teaching children and teenagers, mentoring and discipling young women, and caring for the elderly.
Recently, God arranged a providential meeting between Converge Worldwide (BGC) International Ministries staff and myself, and I have undergone assessment and training under Converge Worldwide (BGC) guardianship. I was commissioned as a missionary appointee at the 2008 Biennial Meeting.
Ministry Goals…
God willing, I will:
Immediately begin work with widows infected with HIV in a Widows Workroom. Most of these women have contracted AIDS from their husbands, and their spouses have either abandoned the family or are dead. In order to feed their families these women are in need of honest labor. In the Widow’s Workroom they create marketable crafts. My purpose there will be dual: I will be working on new marketing strategies, but more importantly, forming bonds and relationships with these women who are from all walks of faith. By God’s mercy and grace, and through His timing, I will have opportunities to share the Salvation of Christ.
I will be working on setting up similar programs in surrounding communities; this will allow me to target women, young and old, who are interested in learning more about God and His will for our lives.
I will work on strategic curriculum that trains Biblical leaders among women. This will provide opportunities for Bible studies for women and discipleship groups.
I will reach out to mothers in the community who wish to educate their children but do not have the means to provide schooling. I will provide them with curriculum and training necessary to educate their children.
I will work with orphaned and in-need teenage girls. My goals is to build relationships and provide encouragement, education, and an opportunity to see the benefit of living moral and godly lives-my heart beats here! I am desperate for these young women to know that the Great Creator of the universe is so in love with them!
My ministry will be critical in that I will be seeking the exposed members of the community; women, teenager girls, and children who are wounded by emotional and physical trauma. I will provide the opportunity to gather, share, and support one another, all the while building discipleship groups and Bible studies. Through this, I will create training materials so that those whom I disciple and lead in Bible study can then go out and minister to others. Women in the community will have the resources to build and support ministries for women, men, and children who I am unable to reach. I will be equipping; God will ignite and transform.
Will you join me in this Kingdom work…

I Always made fun of bloggers...

2008-07-25T13:38:00.001-07:00

Only recently I was mocking those who blogged on the internet...I guess the laugh is on me; I'm jumping on the Band Wagon!

Putting out my first set of prayer/news letter was quite the ordeal, confounded, much like everything else right now, by the feeling and thoughts of, “I have no idea what I’m doing!” But God is good and sovereign.

Now...well...I often ask myself, "Now what?"
I am building a support team. Letters are going out on Monday, the 28th, and I am in the midst of looking for churches, individuals, and businesses who wish to advance God's kingdom in Nigeria.